Pics of the Parks, a photography contest launched by the Oakland County Parks Foundation, aims to give photographers of all ages a chance to show their work and experience the beauty of the county’s 13 parks.

FYI

To enter the Pics of the Parks Photo Contest, visit www.DestinationOakland.com and click “go” on the Pics of the Parks banner to view contest deadlines, prizes, rules, eligibility and fees. Those interested can also call 248-858-0906 for more information.

The contest runs through September 13, and work can be submitted in the following themes by photographers of all ages:

“It really can make a big difference in your career or certainly in your passion to be able to say you’ve had a photo on exhibit,” said Solomon, a Bloomfield Township resident who is an Oakland County Parks Foundation board member.

“My first exhibit was in the window of the Birmingham Camera Store in downtown Birmingham. That was a life-changing experience for a young photographer.”

Three contest submissions can be made per individual, and the entry fee is $15 per image.

The grand prize winner will be selected by performer, visual artist and humanitarian Tony Bennett, a 17-time Grammy Award winner. The grand prize photo will appear on the cover of the 2014 Oakland County Parks Annual Report, and the top 250 entries, with 50 from each category, will be displayed at the Somerset Collection in Troy following the awards reception this fall.

First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected in each category.

Digital First Media is a sponsor of the Pics of the Parks Photo Contest.

Solomon said Bennett — who paints landscapes and nature in addition to his musical work — is “thrilled” to select the Pics of the Parks grand prize winner. Bennett founded a nonprofit, Exploring the Arts, with his wife, Susan, to support and fund arts education in public high schools.

Surprise prizes will be announced in the Pics of the Parks contest every 13 days.

Solomon said many Oakland County residents aren’t aware of the scope of the parks system, and that the contest provides an opportunity for families to get outside and for children to explore their creativity.

“If you’re a sports photographer, you can shoot golf. If you’re a nature photographer, you’ve got nature. If you’re into history, you’ve got the barns and the buildings. There’s everything here for those of us who love photography.”

Thompson shared some basic tips for photographers to consider as they head out to the parks, such as: Keeping horizon lines level, getting closer to the subject and composing photographs with the Rule of Thirds in mind, by dividing a photo into thirds and putting the subject at those points, rather than in the center.

Solomon said photographers might consider shooting in the early morning or during the late afternoon when lighting is soft, rather than in harsh midday light.

“Just have fun. Take lots of pictures,” she said. “That’s what we want to encourage.”